Lions 2013: Australia have the edge over Warren Gatland's men says South Africa coach Heyneke Meyer

South Africa coach Heyneke Meyer has said he believes the British and Irish
Lions's Test series against Australia will be one of the most competitive
ever, but has suggested that the Wallabies could have the edge on the basis
of the extra preparation time they have had.

Springboks: coach Heyneke Meyer is backing the Wallabies to win the series against the LionsPhoto: AP

Speaking after naming his Springboks side to face Scotland in Nelspruit on Saturday, Meyer refused to predict the outcome of the British and Irish Lions series, but highlighted the advantage Australia have already gained by working together for so long.

“In those types of Test matches it is about how you absorb the pressure,” said Meyer. “One thing about Australia is that they have been playing together as a team with Robbie Deans for about five years.

“I found the same thing that the Lions are going to face. Australia have a lot of established combinations and the players are very close. The Lions have got depth, but you still have to build a side and you don’t always have the time to do that.

“That’s the one thing that always counts against the Lions. But they will have a good side because they have some very good players.”

Meyer, who coached Leicester for the first half of the 2008-09 season but had to return to South Africa for family reasons, said his time in English rugby had enhanced his respect for European players, and that he had been impressed by the skills shown in difficult conditions.